Alejandra Ruiz, inspiration in action. 

Phoenix, AZ, July 26, 2024.- One of the things you notice when you meet Alejandra is that she truly cares. She cares about her work, her colleagues, and the youth she serves. Above all, she cares about her family, her Mami especially, and genuinely cares and enjoys the relationship she and her mentee, Ceci, have. 

Alejandra has been with New Pathways for Youth for over five years. She started as a Program Coordinator and evolved into a Program Director, overseeing relationships between mentors, mentees, and program managers. She is at the forefront of our mission, and her dedication to our mission is evident to everyone who knows her. 

Alejandra is great in her work and understands the challenges our youth face. Like many of our youth, she is a first-generation graduate from high school and college, who had to navigate an unfamiliar educational system. Her family, like many of those of our youth, moved to this country seeking better opportunities. She grew up in the barrio, similar to the neighborhoods where our youth live. Although she faced many obstacles, Alejandra had the support of her family, teachers, and other guiding figures, who helped her stay on track and achieve her Master’s in Public Health. 

Her efforts and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Telemundo, the leading Spanish network in the U.S., featured Alejandra on their local Phoenix station, in their segment, YO SOY ARIZONA. YO SOY ARIZONA highlights the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Hispanic, Latino, and immigrant community members who are leaders and elevating their communities. Noticiero Telemundo’s reporter and news anchor, Paola Morales, visited our building on Jefferson St. to chat with Alejandra about her journey in serving our community. 

You can watch this interview in the original Spanish language here or on YouTube (don’t forget to turn on the English captions if you do not understand Spanish). 

We are incredibly proud of Alejandra’s work and her recognition in this broadcast. We are deeply moved by what it represents not only for the community but for the young people who, like Alejandra, have a world of possibilities ahead of them. We are grateful to have Alejandra and her team supporting them. ¡Sí se puede!